Puppy I is so much fun and hugely educational! Classes focus on puppy biting, socialization with other dogs and people (especially children men and strangers), calming and handling, attention, basic obedience skills (come, sit, down, stand, stay, heel and walk on leash) and household manners (crate training, toilet training and chew toy training).

Our expert instructors will teach you how to use food in training without it becoming a bribe so that your puppy responds reliably whether you have food or not.

Learn how to improve your puppy's focus, speed of recall and length of stays off-leash, at a distance and when distracted. Learn how to introduce your puppy to people, places, dogs and new situations so that they thoroughly enjoy the company of all kinds of folks, especially children, men and strangers.

Learn how to teach your puppy to play Fetch and Tug and to use these games as rewards in training.

Puppy 1 Curriculum

THE COMPLETE PUPPY COURSE

If your puppy is under 12 weeks old, it is highly recommend that you take Puppy Kindergarten before Puppy 1, or in tandem. It is not required but it will provide you with best puppy training experience possible, especially if you follow Puppy 1 with Puppy 2. Save money by registering for these classes together. Learn More

WHAT TO BRING TO CLASS

Proof of vaccinations is required at the first class. Please bring proof of two DHLPP or DHPP vaccinations given 2-3 weeks apart -- both vaccines must have been administered after 8 weeks of age and the second vaccination given at least 7 days prior to the start-date of class.

Have your puppy wear a flat, buckle/snap collar – no harnesses or training collars that tighten. Please have your pup on a 6’ leash. “Flexi” leashes are not appropriate for class.

Don’t feed your puppy right before class. Instead, bring their kibble to class in a ziploc bag for use as lures and rewards while training. Also bring a few extra-tasty treats to reward your pup for their best performances. Make sure your treats are in small, bite-sized pieces that won’t fill your pup up or take long for them to eat.

We require at least one adult per enrolled puppy. We encourage the whole family attend the class together but if children are three years or younger, a second adult must be present.

REQUIREMENTS

Requirements:

Age: On the start date of class, pups must be between 12-18 weeks old (i.e., 84-126 days).

If your dog is older than 18 weeks old and has not completed Puppy Training I, Basic Household Manners is the age-appropriate class.

Vaccine: Proof of two DHLPP or DHPP vaccinations given 2-3 weeks apart -- both vaccines administered after 8 weeks of age and the second vaccination given at least 7 days prior to the start-date of class.